Julie Chanin has been named as Oak Bay’s new police chief, making her the first woman to ever fill that role in Greater Victoria.
The Oak Bay Police Board announced her appointment with the 24-officer department on Monday.
Chanin, who turns 52 in April, became the region’s first female deputy chief when she was named to the position in April 2022.
She will start her new job on June 1, replacing current Police Chief Mark Fisher, who announced his retirement this month.
Fisher’s retirement after a 33-year policing career takes effect May 31.
Chanin has 24 years in policing, including 13 years with Oak Bay after previous stints with West Shore RCMP and Port McNeill RCMP.
“The Oak Bay Police Department has a long history of community policing and I look forward to continuing the work of so many in making Oak Bay a safer community, together,” Chanin said. “I am honoured to begin my role as chief constable and fortunate to have a dedicated team of police officers, staff and volunteers all committed to serving the community of Oak Bay.”
Fisher has said the commitment to community policing can be seen with the attention given to bike and foot patrols, and with monthly “coffee with a cop” sessions for the public.
Chanin said that being the first female police chief in the region is “a sign of natural progression.”
“And also, I think, a lot of hard work and some barriers being removed by supportive leaders in the policing world.”
“As a result, an opportunity presented itself and I was able to take advantage of that.”
She pointed to another first for women in policing on Vancouver Island with Shawna Baher being named in November as chief superintendent for the RCMP’s Island district. Baher was previously the officer in charge of Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.
Police Board chair and Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch said the board is thrilled to have Chanin lead the municipality’s police department.
“Deputy Chanin has continuously demonstrated her technical knowledge, progressive leadership and dedication to the community,” Murdoch said. “Her passion and expertise in community policing is seen daily in her strong relationships with the residents and businesses in Oak Bay.
“Trust is such an integral part of successful community policing, and [Deputy] Chanin has earned the trust of the board, the department and the broader community we serve.”
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said Chanin has been “a rising star” and thoroughly deserves to be Oak Bay’s next police chief, while Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie said that Chanin is “an excellent choice” for the post.
“We look forward to continuing to work with her as she steps into the new leadership role,” Duthie said.
Manak said Chanin is “a highly engaged police leader” who supports community events and causes like the Special Olympics.
“I know that her community is really going to appreciate her thoughtful, caring and collaborative approach to policing.”
The Victoria Police Department said in a statment that Chanin has been “an inspiration for women in policing, for young girls who may consider a role in policing, and the people of Oak Bay.”
